dreamguard anesthesia
DreamGuard Anesthesia is committed to providing safe office-based anesthesia for dental procedures. It is important that you discuss the details of the procedure, including its risks and benefits, and have all of your questions answered prior to receiving care.
Most dental procedures can be done with local anesthesia alone or sometimes in conjunction with an oral sedative and/or nitrous oxide sedation. However, certain complex cases, extremely anxious adults, very young children and patients with special needs may require a more controlled and deeper level of anesthesia. We take great pride in ensuring each and every one of our patients has a pleasant, pain-free and safe dental experience.
We provide general anesthesia for:
- Young children unable to fully cooperate for treatment
- Patients with special needs (Autism, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and many more)
- Complex, long or invasive dental procedures
- Fearful or anxious patients
- Strong gag reflex
- Difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia
CUSTOM DESIGN
We provide highly comprehensive, individualized anesthesia care centered around each patient’s needs. Each anesthetic plan is designed for maximum patient safety and comfort. We do a thorough review of your medical history, current medications, and dental treatment when we design your anesthesia plan. Consultation and coordination with your primary care physician or any medical specialists may also be performed as needed. Throughout your procedure and post-procedure recovery, we closely monitor your vital signs, including breathing, pulse, temperature, heart rhythm and blood pressure.
TEAMWORK
Our dental anesthesiologists partner with you and your dentist every step of the way. They have exceptional training in all levels of anesthesia allowing your dentists to focus on the procedure. This helps to provide a safer, more ideal experience.You will have the opportunity to speak directly with your anesthesiologist before your appointment. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. During your procedure, the anesthesiologist will be with you from the time you fall asleep until you are ready to go home.
EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT
At DreamGuard Anesthesia, your and/or your child’s care and safety are our top priorities. We keep up to date on the latest medical and dental literature to provide services that have proven effectiveness, clear patient benefits, and strong safety records. The guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry outline specific populations in which deep sedation/general anesthesia (GA) are indicated. These include children and patients with special needs requiring extensive treatment and those with acute situational anxiety, uncooperative age-appropriate behavior, immature cognitive functioning, disabilities, or medical conditions that require deep sedation/general anesthesia.
PRE-ANESTHESIA INSTRUCTIONS
Drinking and Eating
it is extremely important that patients have an empty stomach. Do not eat or drink anything, for eight (8) hours before your dental procedure. Clear liquids may be consumed until two (2) hours before your scheduled procedure.
Change in Health
If you start to develop or show signs of a cold, fever, or any other acute illness, call your dentist’s office immediately. Congestion of the nose or chest may compromise the airway. To reduce the risks of anesthesia, patients with signs of illness the day of their procedure will be rescheduled.
Clothing
Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes with a short-sleeved shirt. You may bring a small blanket from home. Avoid wearing long sleeved shirts or jeans. Do not wear contact lenses or nail polish the day of your procedure.
Medication
Prescription medications should be taken as scheduled with a small sip of water or postponed if directed by your doctor. Bring a list of all medicines you are now taking including the dosage and how often you take the medicines.
Questions?
Can I drive or take an Uber to my appointment?
Due to the lingering effects of anesthesia, all patients must have a responsible adult companion physically present in the office to escort you home. This person must remain at the office during the procedure and drive you home. Patients may not go home alone by taxi, uber, or bus.
What happens if I arrive late?
Patients who arrive late may have to have their surgery rescheduled for another day. The anesthesiologist reserves the right to cancel or postpone the scheduled appointment for any reason that may jeopardize the safety of the anesthetic procedure.
How long does it take to wake up from anesthesia?
You may feel a bit groggy or sleepy when you first wake up and will need about 30 minutes for recovery until discharge is safe. During this time, the anesthesiologist will closely monitor recovery and post-operative issues like pain or nausea.
Will you contact me before my procedure?
Your anesthesiologist will contact you the day before your scheduled procedure. Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.